It is with heavy hearts that the family of Gary Dean Dillingham announce his passing from this earth, but we rejoice in the knowledge he is now whole again in heaven. 
Gary Dean, 84, was born December 11, 1939, in Durant, Okla. He married his high school sweetheart Mary Lou Hughes in Madill, Okla., on November 1, 1958. He attended high school in Calera, Okla., and college at Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Gary Dean was the Plant Manager for the Durant Peanut Company for 20 years, and then became a peanut inspector for the Peanut Administrative Corporation for more than 20 years. He was a member of the NRA and NWTF. He was a member and enjoyed attending services at Bushnell Baptist church.
An artist, a tough boss, a loyal husband, a great friend, a loving father and beloved Papaw, solemn and steady, a lover of guns and hunting, tinker and fixer of things, and his personal favorite: baby whisperer. He loved being with his kids, grandkids and great grandkids more than anything else.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Hickman and Hellen Dillingham; brother, Nick Dillingham; granddaughter, Catherine Leann Dillingham; father and mother in-law, Wayne and Lou Hughes.
Gary is survived by his wife Mary Dillingham; brother, Lynn Dillingham (Sandra); son, Gary Wayne (Cheryle) Dillingham; daughter, Angi (Craig) Young; daughter, Krystal (Rick) Bittner; seven grandchildren; Coby (Tara) Young, Dusty (Krista) Young, Rachel (Trey) Daniel), Stormi (Cody) Paden, Chessie (JoDan) Davis, Eli (Emily) Young, and Evan Dillingham; 19 great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and numerous other extended family members. 
A memorial service to honor the life of Gary Dean Dillingham will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at Brown’s Funeral Service chapel.
Arrangements under the direction of Brown’s Funeral Service.